loneliness

Research on the health benefits of meditation continues to grow. The practice of sitting quietly, paying mindful attention to one’s breath, has been associated with better cognition, a reduction in stress levels, and an improved immune system response.

Is Facebook a symptom of our increasing loneliness culturally, or does the social networking site bring people closer together?

For Brody, who two years ago lost her partner of over four decades, the supreme sadness she felt over that loss prompted her to examine the very real consequences of heartbreak and loneliness. She discovered that, according to John Robbins, author of Healthy at 100, relationships are very important to overall health.

There are certain emotional states that feel as close to death as we might be able to get in a lifetime: intense grief and heartbreak top the list. But what about loneliness? Well, it turns out that loneliness doesn't just feel like death but can actually kill you.

As I'm sure you all know, the most helpful assistance in getting through hard times or illness is to surround yourself with friends and family. Sadly, I don't have any here in Vancouver. Thankfully, my friend Chris from Kingston, who I happen to believe might have been my brother in another life, sent out an email to all the friends he has in Vancouver and asked if someone would take pity on me and be my friend. A lovely woman named Georgie was the only one to answer that email.